Select Local Merchants

For more than 13 years, Topnotch Tattoos' team of artists has been adorning bodies with vibrant custom artwork. The tattooing trio—composed of Andrew Mullen, Steve Sims, and Nate Bjork—boasts a range of stylistic tendencies, from Steve's mastery of the iconic sailor jerry style to Nate's portraiture of Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney in their classic horror-film makeup. Resident piercing expert Oscar Martinez has made a study of all types of body modification, including surface-to-surface piercing, scarification, stretching, and permanent hand raising.

Under the supervision of double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dhaval M. Patel, the team at Chicago Institute of Plastic Surgery specializes in clinical-grade cosmetic treatments that offer natural-looking results. Surgical procedures range from subtle to more intensive, and the staff also perform an array of med spa treatments that offer surgery-free alternatives. These include laser, peel, and injectable treatments that outfit clients with dewier complexions and smoother skin than a freshly waxed kiwi. And in addition to offering high-quality treatments, the staff also aim to create a serene, warm space with their friendly and uplifting demeanor.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Leon Forrester Tcheupdjian has not only been in the lipo biz since 1981 but also has authored a textbook on the topic and developed several new surgical tools of the trade. Dr. T., who has dubbed himself "Lipodoc" and is backed up by Liposuction & Cosmetic Surgery Institute's team, specializes in all manner of fat removal and relocation, both by traditional means and with modern laser technology. He also wipes out wrinkles, veins, unwanted hair, and passé tattoos, and he is able to bring his treatments to many, since he speaks five languages, including Armenian, Arabic, and pigeon.

The staff at Ritacca Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa aims to balance both art and science in each surgical and nonsurgical procedure they perform. Whether patients seek tattoo removal, a face lift, vein therapy, or lip augmentation, the specialists outline custom solutions tailored to their clients' wishes and their skin's fear of falling. These plans accompany detailed information about each procedure to help patients to make the best health decision.
Decked in Renaissance–inspired art, stately wood accents, and plush leather furniture, the medical spa of Ritacca's upper level focuses on bringing inner beauty outward. The spa's skin specialists use lasers, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion treatments to help to reverse the signs of aging without subjecting faces to hours of Saturday-morning cartoons. Customers can further enhance silhouettes with expert waxing, gentle facials, and applications of permanent makeup.

Dr. Robert S. Kagan has been enhancing figures and rejuvenating faces for more than two decades. Board certified in general and plastic surgery, Dr. Kagan's work has led to numerous reconstructive and cosmetic successes for his patients, and he works to further bolster his skills by continuing his education and regularly attending conferences nationwide. He shares this expertise at his practice, where he performs a variety of services, including many types of cosmetic surgeries, breast reconstruction, skin-cancer reconstruction, and facial and body contouring to boost clients' confidence.

From mending battle wounds to performing breast enhancement, Dr. Taek Kim has had a long and storied career. After graduating from medical school in Seoul, South Korea, the young Dr. Kim became a captain in the South Korean armed forces and flew the skies as a flight surgeon for Korean and American troops. He relocated to the United States, where he performed more than 8,000 surgeries and began specializing in cosmetic procedures. Today, as the founder and medical director of Renaissance Cosmetic Laser, Dr. Kim uses his years of experience to help both men and women enhance their appearance with services ranging from water-assisted liposuction to wrinkle-smoothing injections. Light technology also takes a polishing role in his service repertoire via laser spider-vein therapy, IPL photofacials, and procedures to install theater spotlights on a client's favorite features. When Dr. Kim isn't highlighting natural beauty, he channels his impressive resumé and renowned skills as a surgeon into mentoring young physicians as a faculty member of Hinsdale Hospital's residency program.